The 32-year-old Australian-born forward, capped 58 times by his adopted country, will reportedly complete the move from Top 14 champions Perpignan later this week. The versatile Hines, one of only two Scots to be named in the original 37-man Lions squad, will help fill the void left in coach Michael Chieka's squad following the departure of Australian Rocky Elsom.

Born in Wagga Wagga, Hines qualified to play for Scotland through his maternal grandfather. He began his career in the 13-man code with the North Sydney Bears before switching to union side Manly. He moved to Scotland in 1998, joining Gala and then Edinburgh before making his international bow in 2000 against New Zealand. He moved to French side Perpignan in 2005 an opted out of the latter stages of their title challenge earlier this year in favour of joining up with the Lions.

The Rugby Union Players' Association (RUPA) have announced an official investigation into the circumstances surrounding the decision by the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) and the New South Wales Rugby Union (NSWRU) to terminate the contract of Wallabies winger Lote Tuqiri.

"I have spoken to the Captain of the Wallabies [Stirling Mortlock] and many from the Wallaby team and they have genuine concerns about the manner in which Lote's sacking has been handled by the ARU and NSWRU. The Wallabies are deeply saddened for the loss of Lote from the team and Australian Rugby as I am sure many of the fans out there are," said Tony Dempsey, Chief Executive Officer of the RUPA.

Rod Kafer, President of the RUPA, added, "We have information surrounding this incident to warrant an investigation into the ARU's and NSWRU's conduct. We need to ensure the ARU and NSWRU have honored the terms of the CBA and that the actions of the ARU and NSWRU last week are not in breach of any players' rights under their contract."

Tuqiri was sacked earlier this month but the ARU did not clarify the reasons for their decision because "it may be the subject of legal proceedings". The Waratahs star, capped 67 times by his country, is reportedly considering legal action.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) has announced the dates for the eight events of the 2009/10 IRB Sevens World Series.

The Emirates Airline Dubai Sevens will kick off the 11th year of the Sevens World Series on 4-5 December and then a week later it's the Emirates Airline South Africa Sevens on 11-12 December in George.

The IRB Sevens World Series will visit five continents over a six month period and feature eight established Grand Prix style events, hosted by the same eight countries as the last three World Series. There is, however, one change to the schedule as Australia host the Adelaide Sevens the week before Hong Kong in March 2010.

The All Black lock Chris Jack makes his debut for South African provincial side Western Province on Saturday.

The former Saracens player has signed a short-term deal to play for the Cape Town-based team and he dons the famous blue and white hoops against the defending Currie Cup champions, the Sharks, at Newlands.

The former Toulon and All Black flank Jerry Collins has reported for pre-season training with the Ospreys and is not expecting his reputation to see him granted an automatic starting spot.

His arrival in Wales from France was delayed due to immigration processing issues but the 28 year-old is now in Swansea and looking forward to earning his place in the side.

"It's an honour for me to be able to come here and represent the Ospreys, but I realise that I can't take anything for granted. There's a very strong squad here with options in every position so I will have to earn the right to wear the shirt, which is exactly how it should be."